It's National Walking Month! Discover bats, ghost stations and campus trails
May is National Walking Month and this year’s events invite you to see campus through fresh eyes. From twilight wildlife encounters to uncovering the remains of long‑lost railway stations, these guided walks offer a chance to stretch your legs while learning something genuinely unexpected about the places you pass every day.
Alongside these special events, don’t forget you can explore at your own pace using the Campus Mile walking route, our campus Sculpture Trail, and the Campus Map App – perfect for planning your next wander or finding new corners of UoB to enjoy.
Wondrous wander: UoB bats and their hidden habitats
Tuesday 19 May
Meet at 17:00 (walk begins at 17:10)
Ends: 18:45
Start/finish: Estates Maintenance Office (Y6)
Distance: 2.8km | Duration: 1.5 hours
Our peregrine falcons may get most of the attention, but they’re not the only winged residents worth knowing about. As evening approaches, join Cai Lansdown, Sustainability and Environmental Officer, for a gentle loop around campus to discover the bat species that quietly thrive here.
You’ll learn how the Estates team monitors these nocturnal neighbours, what habitats they rely on, and how this research feeds into Cai’s apprenticeship project. It’s a rare chance to explore campus at dusk and tune into the wildlife that usually goes unnoticed.
The walk is free for staff and students, but places are limited so make sure to book!
Wondrous wander: Ghost stations of the cross‑city line
Thursday 21 May
Meet at 17:00 (walk begins 17:10)
Ends 19:00
Start: North Gate | Finish: Bournville
Distance: 3.5km | Duration: 2 hours (Option to leave at Selly Oak for a shorter route)
If you’ve ever sat on the train and wondered what used to lie along the tracks, this walk will satisfy your curiosity. Led by the Sustainable Travel team, this route traces the remnants of abandoned stations on the old Birmingham West Suburban Line.
You’ll uncover stories of forgotten platforms, disused routes, and the recent revival of the Camp Hill line – all while walking a relaxed, accessible route from North Gate to Bournville. It’s a fascinating blend of local history and everyday travel, revealing just how much the landscape around campus has changed.
As with all Wondrous Wanders, the event is free for staff and students, but booking is essential due to limited spaces – so don’t miss out!
Keep exploring
Whether you join a guided wander or set off solo, National Walking Month is the perfect moment to get moving, discover something new, and reconnect with the campus and city around you. Grab a friend, book your spot, and step into a side of Birmingham you’ve never seen before.